Despite high winds and rain clouds, Joyfest, the annual “friend-raiser” for Joy Ranch Home for Children in Woodlawn, brought in an impressive crowd on Sept. 6. Guests were treated to helicopter rides, face painting, games, bounce houses and plenty of food. Performances included the Appalachian Children’s Chorus and Brad & Rebekah. The weather kept the planned hot air balloons from flying.

WOODLAWN — Joy Ranch is anticipating a large turnout for JoyFest, the Christian home for children’s annual “friend raiser” this weekend.

“We’ve promoted it more intensely than ever, and we’re getting a good response,” says Brent Carrick, Joy Ranch Development Coordinator. “We’ve added some new attractions to our already exciting lineup, and it has greatly boosted interest.”

HILLSVILLE — Frilly-dressed princesses of all ages graced the stage for the 2014 Miss Carroll County beauty pageant at the Carroll County Agricultural Fair.

Judges had the difficult decision of presenting awards to a selection of the contestants, aged from birth through 19 years old.

This year’s Miss Carroll County winner is Bethany Welch, a contestant who also practices the science behind beauty as an employee of 58 Salon in Woodlawn. She is also a Skills USA award-winner, having earned a skill point certificate in nail care.

Kayla Edwards and Joseph Smith announce their upcoming wedding at 2 p.m. on Oct. 4.
Edwards is the daughter of Michael and Sandra Edwards.
Smith is the son of Patricia Smith.

Maid of honor will be Jamie Payne. Bridesmaids will be Jamie Bowman and Melissa Grimes. Junior bridesmaid will be Katherine Nadeau. Flower girl will be Cecilia “Joe” Nadeau.
Best man will be Anthony Sides. Groomsmen will be Phillip Bennett and Michael “Tony” Bowman. Ring bearer will be Michael “Clay” Bowman.

Braeden Hunter Ward turned 5 years old on June 26. He celebrated with a Spiderman bouncy house party.

He is the son of Kris and Mary Lynne Ward of Independence. His younger brothers are Levi and Luke. Braeden’s grandparents are Harry Cox, Bo and Susan Moxley, and Harvey and Jill Ward. His great-grandparents are Agnes Cox, Mary Jane Hollingsworth, Odell Moxley, Danna Ward, and Lacy and Dreama Bowman.

Mr. and Mr. Larry Sawyers of Fries announced the engagement of their daughter, Keri Elizabeth, to Cody Blaine McGrady, son of Mr. and Mrs Donnie McGrady of Rugby.

Sawyers is a 2008 graduate of Grayson County High School and a 2012 graduate of Radford University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She is employed by Lewis Gale Pulaski Hospital in Pulaski.

Taelynn Isabella Mundy celebrated her fourth birthday on July 2 with a party at Liddle Adventures Learning Academy.

Her sisters Hope Gaynor and Timber Mundy helped her celebrate along with many special friends and family members. She is the daughter of John and Tammy Utt of Woodlawn and Tim and Britt Mundy of Max Meadows. Her maternal grandparents are Brenda Liddle of Woodlawn and Charles Liddle of Galax. Her paternal grandparents are Don and Mabelene Beverly of Cana and Wayne Mundy of Cana.

Larry and Sandy Ayers of Galax were given a surprise 50th wedding anniversary party on June 14 by their daughters and sons-in-law at Hillcrest Baptist Church.

The event was given by Frankie and Joyce (Ayers) Driver of Galax and Tom and Tern (Ayers) Carico of Clover S.C., and friends Bonita Horne and Barbara Estes of Clover, S.C., and Crystal Caudell of Galax. Family and friends attended.
Four grandchildren helped prepare for the party: Reanna and Ryan Clawson, Matthew Carico and Rachel Carico of Clover, S.C., and Kaci Driver of Galax.